Bhide, who was here to attend the passing out of 61st batch of Indian Revenue Service (IRS) at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), said the cut in duty taxes reduced the indirect tax collection.

Speaking at the valedictory function of induction course of 61st batch, Bhide called upon the young officers to be honest and strive for tax administration while their primary responsiblity is tax collection.

Treat the income tax assessee as a client and not a criminal, he advised. The new tax code was being readied and would be brought in soon, he said.